The Art of Evaluating Pinot Noir in the Barrel
Benefits of Barrel Aging Pinot Noir at Kramer Vineyards
As passionate winemakers at Kramer Vineyards, we always focus on bringing out the most authentic expression of the fruit we grow in our estate vineyard. Barrel aging is pivotal in this pursuit, offering many benefits that enhance and complement our wines.
At Kramer Vineyards, our barrel selection and aging regime are meticulously crafted to ensure that the barrels serve as vessels for aging and act as partners in the winemaking process. After all, we don't grow and make barrels; we grow and make wine!
The use of oak barrels in aging Pinot Noir presents various advantages that contribute to the wine's ultimate expression and exceptional quality. Let's delve into some of the key benefits:
Enhanced Complexity
The interaction between Pinot Noir and carefully selected French oak barrels introduces subtle nuances and flavors that add depth and complexity to our wines at Kramer Vineyards. Each barrel, with its unique characteristics influenced by the forest, tightness of the grain, and the cooper's building and toasting techniques, contributes to the wine's distinct personality.
Improved Structure and Tannins
Oak barrels play a crucial role in enhancing the structure of our Pinot Noir. The tannins extracted from the oak integrate with the wine, providing a refined and balanced mouthfeel. This added structure not only enhances the wine's aging potential but also contributes to a more robust and layered tasting experience.
Aromatic and Flavor Contributions
The toasting process of oak barrels imparts delightful aromatic compounds and flavors to our Pinot Noir. Notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted nuts are subtly woven into the wine, complementing the fruit's natural characteristics and adding a luxurious touch to each sip.
Micro-Oxygenation
Barrel aging allows for gentle micro-oxygenation, a process where small amounts of oxygen permeate the barrel and interact with the wine. This slow and controlled exposure to oxygen helps soften the tannins, enhance the wine's texture, and promote the development of complex tertiary aromas and flavors over time.
Stability and Longevity
Oak barrels contribute to the overall stability of our Pinot Noir by promoting the polymerization of tannins and color compounds. This stability enhances the wine's ability to age gracefully, allowing it to develop and evolve beautifully in the bottle for years to come.
At Kramer Vineyards, the art of barrel aging is an integral part of our winemaking philosophy. By carefully selecting and utilizing oak barrels, we can enhance the complexity, structure, and overall quality of our Pinot Noir, creating wines that are truly exceptional. Experience the exquisite results of our barrel aging process by exploring our collection of wines.
Share this post:
Pinot Noir is a Wine that Rewards Patience
Patience is vital when evaluating a barrel of Pinot Noir. During the early months, the wine exhibits vibrant primary fruit flavors with acidity and tannins that may initially seem disjointed. However, a magical transformation occurs as the wine "winters over" and undergoes malolactic fermentation.
Malolactic: it's Fantastic
Malolactic fermentation, where beneficial bacteria convert sharp malic acid into smoother lactic acid, softens the wine's acidity and enhances its complexity, mouthfeel, and perception of tannins. This process gradually shapes the wine, unlocking a rounder and more integrated character and showcasing a stunning depth of flavors.
At Kramer Vineyards, we understand the significance of each barrel in shaping the aging Pinot Noir. The unique characteristics influenced by the terroir of Willamette Valley, the cooper's craftsmanship, and the evolution with each fill contribute to the wine's complexity and depth.
As barrels are reused, they lose their potency, imparting fewer flavors and tannins to the wine. This aging tradition adds depth and complexity to our wines, requiring us to carefully consider the number of fills for each barrel to maintain the desired balance.
When the wines have completed malolactic fermentation and settled back into the barrel for further aging, it marks a pivotal moment in their development. This is an opportune time for us as winemakers to assess their qualities and draw connections to past vintages, guiding our blending decisions to ensure the final expression of the wine aligns with our vision.
Through the meticulous evaluation of Pinot Noir during its barrel aging journey, we can determine how to serve the wine best as we head toward bottling. Each barrel holds the potential to reveal unique characteristics that showcase the terroir of Willamette Valley. Join us at Kramer Vineyards as we invite you to experience the art of evaluating wine in the barrel, appreciating its benefits and extraordinary expression of this captivating grape variety.
Barrel Tasting Pinot Noir at Kramer Vineyards
If you'd like to schedule a barrel tasting at Kramer Vineyards, please get in touch with us for more information or to book your tasting experience. Email us at kim@kramervineyards.com.